Margaritas on the beach, a spectacular sunset, dancing in the moonlight and a satisfying meal, isn’t that what living in the Caribbean is all about? If you’re on St. Croix, make Coconuts on the Beach your favorite weekend spot for fun in the sun and beyond!

Coconuts on the Beach is a terrific little spot right on the beach just outside of Frederiksted. If it’s a friendly chat, a cold drink and a relaxing view you are looking for, this is the place to be. “What I like is that we have a lot of locals sitting at the sunset bar,” said owner Grace Tingle. It’s no wonder, with such a beautiful ocean view. By the way, this is an ideal spot to get a glimpse of one of those elusive green flashes. “We get the green flash all the time. We saw five in one week during the first week of January,” added Grace.

Grace took over Coconuts on the Beach in May. After 10 years in Venezuela, Grace and her husband moved to St. Croix two years ago for his job at HOVENSA. Grace herself always wanted to have a restaurant of her own. A native Texan, Grace has put together an awesome authentic Tex Mex and Texas BBQ menu. Bring an appetite with you. Grace makes one mean burrito!

Coconuts on the Beach offers all of the spicy Tex Mex dishes that one expects at a good Tex Mex beach bar. You have several choices for finger food, such as the very popular “monkey” wings ($8), a big platter of chips and Grace’s homemade salsa ($6), nachos ($8-$10), flautas ($8) or chili cheese fries ($6). For a fuller meal, order a hearty grilled Texas chicken burger with pepper jack cheese ($8), a Big as Texas burger with chili and jalapenos ($9), a hot dog with chili cheese and onions ($6) or a veggie burger ($7).

The best part of Coconuts’ menu is the daily special. Each day offers yet another plate overflowing with Tex Mex favorites. On Tuesday enjoy chicken or beef fajitas ($12). Wednesday is grande burrito day ($10), and it certainly lives up to its name! You’ll find tacos every Thursday ($10), fajitas on Fridays ($15) and Carne Guisada on Saturdays ($12). With sides of both rice and beans (don’t miss the beans - they’re the real thing!), you can’t beat Coconuts for value for your money. Sometime in March look for the addition of some seafood and vegetarian plates such as mahi-mahi, steamed vegetables and fish and chips. There is also a kids’ menu with King Kong chicken nuggets ($5), mini cheese nachos ($4) and corn dog with fries ($5).

Every Sunday Grace pulls out all the stops with a Texas BBQ menu, the Best of the West End! Choose from Texas-style barbeque ribs ($12 half rack) mesquite brisket ($15), a NY strip ($24) or a rib eye ($25). Can you think of a better incentive to spend the day at the beach?

If you’re up earlier on the weekend, Coconuts on the Beach is serving breakfast tacos for only $4. Take my word for it; go for the fully loaded burrito-sized breakfast for only $6. Talk about a great way to start the day!
The huge patio area at Coconuts on the Beach just begs to be danced on. Through March and April there will be live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with something for everyone, from soloists to acoustic, country to Latino, salsa and meringue to basic rock. A band is brought in from Puerto Rico once a month. Don’t miss the monthly Saturday bonfire beach party, definitely a happening party spot. It’s a terrific idea for your next catered birthday bash, wedding or other private function.

At the bar, you can enjoy frozen and flavored strawberry, passion fruit, mango and banana margaritas for only $4 all day every day. It’s ”Beer-thirty” Happy Hour every day from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. with $2 beers and $2 Margaritas, and they change the specialty drink every week. As expected, there’s always a good crowd for that!

Grace is a big advocate of giving back to the community. While in Venezuela, she headed a charity organization and she brought her big heart with her to St. Croix. This Saturday, Mach 8, head over to Coconuts with your pooch from noon until 6 p.m. for a Doggie Wash benefiting St. Croix’s Animal Welfare Center ($10 donation). A Poker Run to benefit the Boys and Girls Club is planned for Mach 23. Grace also works with Behavioral Services to bring girls to Coconuts for a fun-filled day of food and painting coconuts each month.
 

Visit www.coconutsonthebeach-stx.com for the menu and upcoming events or e-mail Grace at ojedaven@yahoo.com to receive the Coconuts weekly newsletter.